Newsroom

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Spring is here and baby animals abound. Yellow chicks and baby bunnies - perennial Easter and spring favorites - may be cute and cuddly, but it's best to think twice before placing one in a basket and introducing it into your home.

Candace Croney, an assistant professor in Oregon State University's Department of Animal Sciences who specializes in animal behavior and ethics, says families need to consider numerous points before introducing a fuzzy new friend into the home.

First, she says, baby animals are not "disposable living toys." Children can learn important lessons by caring for young animals, but serious planning needs to be done before bringing a new pet home for the holiday season.

All animals need good quality food, water and shelter every day. They also need veterinary care and someone in the home who can assure they are being handled carefully and respectfully. These needs and expenses should be discussed and planned for with all family members before bringing a pet home.

A veterinarian, or a trained animal care professional should be consulted before the decision is made to bring a fuzzy or fluffy new friend home. It is also a good idea to be sure no one in the household has animal allergies or sensitivities, Croney pointed out.

An appropriate cage or pen containing food, water and bedding should be set-up in a safe, quiet and warm area before the new pet is brought home.

A responsible, committed adult should be designated as a long-term caretaker of the animal even if it is meant as a pet for a child.

Children should be supervised when handling new pets. Also, the adult caretaker should make sure the animal is occasionally given a break from attention and provided with an opportunity to retreat from excited children and other family members.

Be sure that other animals, especially cats and dogs, do not have access to bunnies and chicks. Even the calmest housecat can easily injure or kill the young animals.

Once the holiday is over animals still need care and attention. Too often people begin to neglect animals both in terms of their basic care and need for social interactions once the novelty wears off. These animals are very appealing as babies, but as they grow up their needs will change.

"This is something that needs to considered and planned for," Croney said. "Will the rabbit need a social companion as an adult? Will the fluffy baby chick turn into a crowing rooster? If the household cannot provide appropriate care for the pet once it reaches adulthood, the family should strongly reconsider introducing it into the household, or identify an appropriate adult home in advance of bringing the youngster home for Easter."

As a worst-case scenario, if the animal needs to be "re-homed," and the family is having trouble finding a suitable home, the local humane shelter should be contacted. Abandoning or "releasing" the animal is not humane, Croney said, and should never be considered an option.

For more information on how to care for a new bunny or chick, contact local OSU Extension offices.